Wisconsin’s Quirky Roadside Attractions: A Guide To The Bizarre!
🚗 Buckle up for a wild ride through Wisconsin’s quirky roadside attractions! From giant pennies to huge muskies, get ready for awesome selfies! 🌟 #WisconsinAdventures #RoadsideAttractions #HiddenGems
La Crosse, Wisconsin – Embark on a whimsical adventure through the heart of Wisconsin, where the open road leads to a treasure trove of quirky roadside attractions. From the world’s largest penny to a massive fiberglass muskellunge, the Badger State is home to a delightful array of off-the-beaten-path oddities that will leave you amazed, amused, and eager to explore more.
Join us as we take you on a journey through Wisconsin’s most peculiar and fascinating roadside wonders, guaranteed to add a touch of magic to your next road trip!
Wisconsin Quirky Roadside Attractions
There’s a strange but intriguing beauty to be found along the backroads and byways of any region. Often, they’re full of quirky, often overlooked attractions that hold a charm of their own. This article will detail adventures showcasing the whimsy and local flavor of our selection of quirky roadside attractions. Each of these adventures promises a unique experience that veers off the beaten track, presenting you with sights that are truly one of a kind.
1. Bessie the Cow in Janesville
Located in Janesville, Bessie the Cow (3511-3507, WI-26 Trunk, Janesville, WI 53545) is a gigantic fiberglass statue standing guard over the Pine Tree Plaza. Perfect for an unusual photo op, Bessie is a tribute to Wisconsin’s dairy industry.
2. Jurustic Park in Marshfield
Jurustic Park (112021 Old Sugar Bush Ln, Marshfield, WI 54449) is a delightful blend of creativity and humor. Here, you’ll find a collection of whimsical, rusted metal sculptures depicting creatures said to have roamed the Marshfield area during the Iron Age.
3. Sputnik Crash Site in Manitowoc
A cast bronze ring and marker in the middle of the street in Manitowoc commemorate the site where a 20-pound piece of Sputnik IV crashed in 1962. This quirky attraction is a nod to a unique moment in history. Find the Sputnik Crash Site at 798 Park St, Manitowoc, WI 54220.
4. Fred Smith’s Concrete Park in Phillips
Fred Smith’s Concrete Park (N8236 State Hwy 13, Phillips, WI 54555) is a fascinating collection of over 200 concrete and glass sculptures created by Fred Smith, a self-taught artist. From political figures to mythical creatures, these sculptures are a testament to one man’s artistic vision.
5. The World’s Largest Talking Cow in Neillsville
Chatty Belle (1200 E Division St, Neillsville, WI 54456), is a beloved and iconic attraction that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Known as the “World’s Largest Talking Cow,” Chatty Belle is a larger-than-life fiberglass sculpture of a Holstein cow, standing proudly in a picturesque field. This charming landmark has been a symbol of community pride since its creation in 1978 and continues to draw people from far and wide.
Chatty Belle’s unique feature lies in her ability to “talk” when activated by visitors, providing a fun and interactive experience. With a press of a button, visitors can hear fascinating tidbits about cows, farming, and the rich agricultural heritage of the area. As families gather around this delightful bovine creation, laughter and curiosity fill the air, making for unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply seeking a whimsical adventure, Chatty Belle is an attraction that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Neillsville, Wisconsin, while offering a delightful and educational experience for all ages.
6. Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron Sculpture Park in North Freedom
At Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron (S7703 US-12, North Freedom, WI 53951), you can explore an array of fascinating kinetic sculptures and mythical creatures made of scrap metal, all designed by the talented Tom Every.
7. Mustard Museum in Middleton
The eccentric National Mustard Museum (7477 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI 53562) houses a collection of more than 6,000 mustards from all over the world and pays tribute to the history of this beloved condiment.
8. The Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines
The Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines (255-377 Great River Rd, Dickeyville, WI 53808) is a beautiful roadside attraction which showcases intricate religious and patriotic-themed grottoes and gardens built by Father Matthias Wernerus, a local Catholic priest.
9. World’s Largest Six-Pack in La Crosse
In La Crosse, you’ll find the World’s Largest Six-Pack (3rd St S, La Crosse, WI 54601) – a collection of six huge storage tanks painted to resemble a six-pack of beer, a tribute to the city’s brewing history.
10. Ben Bikin’ in Sparta
Sparta, the self-proclaimed “Bicycling Capital of America,” pays tribute to this title with Ben Bikin’, a towering statue of a Victorian gentleman on a penny-farthing bicycle. Visit the Ben Bikin’ sculpture at: 101 E Wisconsin St, Sparta, WI 54656.
11. The Hodag in Rhinelander
Head to Rhinelander to see the Hodag, a mythical creature that is the official symbol of the city. A statue of this creature, which has the head of a frog, the back of a dinosaur, and the tail of a speckled fish, sits outside the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce (450 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI 54501).
12. Go Swingin’ at the Swing Park
Under the shadow of Milwaukee’s Holton Street Bridge (1733-1739 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53212), you’ll find an unexpected treat: the Swing Park. This public space takes advantage of the structure’s underbelly, transforming it into an urban playground. With various swings hanging from the bridge itself, it adds an element of fun and whimsy to the cityscape.
As you swing, take a moment to appreciate the blend of urban architecture and playful creativity that defines this unique Wisconsin attraction. Swing Park serves as an emblem of Wisconsin’s commitment to community spaces and its knack for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
13. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward
This museum in Hayward, which celebrates freshwater fishing, is most notable for the “Shrine to Anglers,” a gigantic four-and-a-half story musky fish that you can climb inside for a great view of the surroundings. Visit the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame at: 10360 Hall of Fame Dr, Hayward, WI 54843.
14. Deke Slayton Space and Bicycle Museum in Sparta
In Sparta, you’ll find an unusual combination of interests housed under one roof: the Deke Slayton Space and Bicycle Museum (200 W Main St, Sparta, WI 54656), where you can learn about astronaut Deke Slayton’s life and the history of bicycles.
15. Tommy Bartlett Exploratory in Wisconsin Dells
Filled with hands-on science exhibits, the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory (560 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965) offers unique entertainment, including a replica of the Russian Space Station Mir.
16. FAST Corporation in Sparta
The FAST Corporation’s Fiberglass Mold Graveyard (14177 Co Hwy Q, Sparta, WI 54656) is an open field filled with molds and damaged statues. The eerie spectacle is oddly fascinating, with decaying, oversized fiberglass creatures from across the decades.
17. Gile’s Flowage in Hurley
Gile’s Flowage in Hurley is a man-made body of water, known for the stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape on its surface. On a calm day, it’s hard to tell where the sky ends and the water begins.
18. Victorian Chocolate Shoppe in Sheboygan
The Victorian Chocolate Shoppe (519 S 8th St, Sheboygan, WI 53081) is a delightful step back in time, with vintage candy and soda, antique fixtures, and old-fashioned customer service.
19. Selfies at the Seeds of Hope
In Eau Claire, you can find an entire farm filled with sunflowers. Babbette’s Seeds of Hope (S5875 Fuller Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701) is a beautiful, sprawling field of golden blooms that provides a great photo opportunity and a relaxing, cheerful atmosphere.
20. Step Back in Time at Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum
Step back in time at Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum (W903 Elmers Rd, Fountain City, WI 54629). A treasure trove for all ages, Elmer’s features an impressive collection of classic cars, thousands of antique toys, and numerous nostalgic artifacts.
Stroll among vintage bicycles, pedal cars, and dolls, and marvel at beautifully restored classic cars. As you navigate through the museum nestled on a picturesque hillside, it’s a trip down memory lane and a fun-filled educational experience all rolled into one.
21. World’s Largest Penny in Woodruff
In Woodruff, you’ll find the World’s Largest Penny (820 3rd Ave, Woodruff, WI 54568), a concrete monument built in the 1950s to commemorate a successful local fundraising campaign.
22. Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha
Take a step back in time at the Bristol Renaissance Faire (12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142), where you can enjoy a taste of 16th century English life, complete with arts, crafts, games, rides, food, music, and theatrical performances.
23. Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum
In Fennimore, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the simpler joys of childhood. The Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum (1135 6th St, Fennimore, WI 53809) features dolls, toys, and miniatures dating back to the 1700s.
Conclusion
As you wind down your Wisconsin road trip, you’ll find yourself filled with a newfound appreciation for the state’s quirky charm and the creativity of its residents. These roadside attractions serve as a testament to the unique spirit of Wisconsin, inviting travelers to embrace the unexpected and revel in the joy of discovery.
So, the next time you find yourself cruising along Wisconsin’s highways and byways, keep your eyes peeled for these hidden gems that make the Badger State a true wonderland of whimsy and adventure.
🗣 Which one of these Wisconsin quirky roadside attractions sounds like the most fun to you? Have you been to any of these? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️